Before 2016, the last time Wisconsin had voted for a Republican was in 1984. If, like me, you are wondering what caused the transformation from a solidly Democratic state in presidential elections to one that supported a right-wing candidate, the answer has something to do with Wisconsin’s labor history. Once the only state that voted for the Progressive Party in 1924, and a state where Socialist Eugene V. Debs won over 11% of the vote in 1920, the reason for Wisconsin’s progressive politics had to do with the strength of organized labor in the state, and the support of workers for candidates who were solidly pro-worker. But in the 21st Century, with the systematic dismantling of unions’ power in the state, along with the rise of grievance politics that struck a nerve with disempowered workers, many in the working class in Wisconsin ironically decided to politically support the same party that took away their power.

We are hoping that change starts now, with the re-empowerment of the working class by progressive politicians. Francesca Hong (she/her), is one such candidate. Fran is a millennial State Assemblywoman and is running for Governor as a Democratic Socialist. Fran is solidly working class - in addition to her job as a lawmaker, she is a line cook and bartender in a restaurant. She has been endorsed by progressive figures like Mike from PA and Mercury Stardust. Fran’s platform is all about providing more for the working class: universal childcare, paid leave for all, fairer cheaper healthcare, and fully funded public education. In addition, she advocates for the abolition of ICE, and introduced legislation aimed to “protect Wisconsin residents from the terroristic overreaches of DHS’s occupation of our communities.”

Where are you based?
Madison, Wisconsin (hometown).

What is your position and what position are you running for?
State Representative running for Governor of Wisconsin.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
We are building a more caring Wisconsin that belongs to everyone. We deserve permanent affordability and we need to get there as fast as we can with a vision for universal policies that meet the scale of the crisis we are in: Universal childcare, paid leave for all, fully funded public schools and fairer cheaper healthcare for all. We can fix a broken tax system and cut off corporate handouts so every day people and small businesses can get ahead. Incrementalism is irresponsible. We cannot afford to be afraid. Wisconsin deserves better from our government and we are building the movement because we make better possible.

What inspired you to run?
Grief, community care and hope. We are living through fascism and we defeat it through mass movements and organizing to build power for working class people. I want to help drive this movement moment as the candidate most relatable to everyday people because I am one of them, and I’m proud of that. I’m a single mom working multiple jobs, a renter and organizer. In moments of crisis and chaos there is an opportunity for change through a movement. I would be the first woman, Asian American, democratic socialist and chef Governor of Wisconsin and it will be because of a movement powered by community that we make history.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
a. Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. Wisconsin Republicans have defunded public education for ever a decade. Our communities will be stronger with fully funded public schools where every child has what they need to grow their own greatness.

b. Raise wages, tax the billionaires, cut the corporate handouts and ensure every worker can join a union and have collective bargaining power.

c. Social insurance benefits that provide economic freedom and security: paid leave, Badgercare public option, a public bank.

d. Reinstate local control with adequate funding. Some of the most important local services are provided at the county and city/town level. Our state has been hoarding tax dollars and sharing revenue inequitably leaving taxpayers on the hook for referenda and difficult budget decisions.

6. How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
5 years.

i. In a bitterly divided legislature, we managed to pass bipartisan legislation that requires Asian American History be taught in K-12 public schools. I worked alongside Republican colleagues and we organized a statewide coalition of students, educator business owners, parents, caregivers, and to advocate for the bill.

ii. I was the first Asian American elected to the WI Legislature, but I won’t be the last. I helped elect two more Asian American State Representatives to form the first ever Wisconsin Asian American Caucus.

iii. We doubled the number of State Representatives in the Legislative Democratic Socialist Caucus.

iv. Helped pass postpartum medicaid expansion and breast cancer screening coverage — two critical bills that had been stalled and not given a vote for 6-7 sessions.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
a. Rising costs
b. Healthcare
c. Care economy- childcare, paid leave, caregiving
d. Public education
e. Data centers

The scale and speed in which the affordability crisis is growing requires universal policies to ensure people can have security and we can have permanent affordability in our state. By raising taxes on the wealthiest and cutting corporate handouts and subsidies, we can make investments in working people to ensure safety and economic security for everyone.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Everyone deserves to live a life of dignity where they can take care of themselves and their loved ones. Greed and corruption of the wealthiest and well connected are pitting working people against one another as we fight to combat rising costs while being crushed by it. We all want a fair shot and hold the people at the top accountable. There's an opportunity here to unite folks through our shared values as well as a shared villain. Working class people deserve better and I'm in a position as a democratic socialist to reach disillusioned voters tired of establishment politicians, donor/consultant class and the political systems as well bring my experience as a democratic legislator, small business owner, parent, organizer, chef and working class person struggling financially myself as the trusted messenger and leader to bring together working folks from across the political spectrum and diverse backgrounds.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Francesca Hong

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
As a single mom, renter, organizer my lived experiences allow me to build strong relationships with working class people and I can be more accessible because of my relatability. Being a chef and having owned a restaurant I’ve grown to understand the power of third spaces as well as the importance of putting service and community first. I’m also proud to be a daughter of immigrants and Asian American. I defend and uplift diversity because I know it makes communities stronger. Representation is a movement and holding multiple identities to organize a diverse coalition to fight for all working people has been paramount to building people power in my work as an elected official.

What is your motto in life?
No Complacency

Where can we find out more about you?
www.francescahong.com
Instagram: @francescahongwi / @staterephong

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Francesca Hong, Governor of Wisconsin